Our pediatric dentist gives each child a new toothbrush and a token for the child's choice of quarter vending machines filled with little toys (in the waiting room).

:iagree: I used to live in the desert where summer average highs were near 110. I remember the weather forecaster saying "cool spell" when it was 95.

We're using Foerster as well. You can register with the publisher Prentice Hall as a homeschooler and purchase the solutions manual, which will have detailed solution for all problems. We're very comfortable with math in our house and so far we are finding Foerster to be a thorough, solid program. BTW, scoring well on SAT's will have a lot to do with SAT-specific test prep work (e.g., working through a few SAT test prep books). Previous posters have mentioned a variety of good Algebra options and in my opinion your choice of program won't have a direct impact (positive or negative) on your son's SAT scores.

I haven't been to the bay area in a while, but from what I remember, the Pacific Ocean/beaches in San Francisco are not all that special. I would replace that with walking the Embarcadero and Pier 39. :iagree: I also second Farmgirl70's suggestion. It's a very neat perspective of the bridge. Walking the bridge itself was a little overwhelming (car traffic seemed too close for comfort for me). Have fun!

We've rented for a short period (3 months) one time when we had no income. We were able to rent an apartment in a very large complex by showing enough funds in a bank account to cover costs for the 3 months.

:iagree: I mentioned it because I thought it would play into the OP's decision as to whether to spring for a new car. For the OP, I think you're in WA, right? Here are a few craigslist postings for used diesel jetta wagons (don't know if you've seen these or if they're too far away): 2004 Bellevue another 2004 Bellevue 2010 Seward Park

I voted to buy a new Jetta. I don't think anyone can tell you that it costs too much unless it actually is more expensive than you can afford. Do you think you'll have trouble qualifying for the 1.9% financing?

I've never tried the Costco paper because I usually order 100% sulfite construction paper like this from Lakeshore Learning. It's very strong and has brilliant rich colors. I like to order a set of single color packs and just buy the colors we run out of periodically.

What about a pair of dressy flat sandals? Black sandals White sandals Gold sandals Then you could pair it with a knee-length dress that emphasizes a high waist right under the bust line and flares away. Blue dress Or this one with a belt to define your waist visually. Belted dress Or if you really like ballet flats, how about this flared skirt with a top that draws attention to your bOOks like this ruched knot top?

I also agree that Calrose is a better alternative; it's a medium grain rice that will be stickier than long-grain rice and not as sticky as short grain rice or sushi rice. Most Asians I know do not use sushi rice unless they are actually making sushi. Even at the asian grocery stores, sushi rice is a little expensive for use as your regular rice. So you should definitely try some medium grain rice and see if you like it.

We've done this and loved being able to start over with a clean slate. Furniture-wise, we moved our mattresses, 4 folding tables (to serve as a dining table and desks) and 8 folding chairs. We unpacked a few boxes of toys and books for the kids which they played out of (we kept our books, kitchen things, clothes, linens, etc.). We had four kids at the time and it really was not a big deal, in terms of day-to-day living. It took us about six months to purchase new stuff, but I love that we were able to decorate the new place without any old things that we didn't choose ourselves and love. Even if you didn't move with any folding tables or chairs, you could easily pick that up in your new town.

You know, I actually have read "gunna" as a proper word in a historical fiction novel--it was used to describe a piece of clothing (a gown) in medieval times. Wikipedia evidence. Back to the point...I absolutely say "gonna" but I would never write "gonna/gunna."

Wow! :thumbup: Impressive.

Annabel :).

:iagree: My two older kids learned this way; the younger ones are still using their bikes as "balance bikes" (we take the pedals off). They scoot around on the "balance bike" until they can push off and coast for a while. Then adding pedaling in is much easier. This method worked great for my anxious DD.

I think Costco's computers automatically come with a two-year warranty. From their site: "Costco extends the manufacturer's warranty on Televisions, Projectors & Computers* to 2 years from the date of purchase. See the manufacturer's warranty for specific coverage terms. For warranty service, contact Costco Concierge Services at 1-866-861-0450." This is not a new program, either. I'm under the impression that if it's the power cord, it should still be under warranty. If it's a problem with the battery, I think it may not be. Good luck!

I love LM Montgomery! Project Gutenberg has a fair number of her books, btw. Enjoy!

If you have 20 years and $70,000 left on your mortgage at ~4%, your monthly payment would be around ~$425 (rough estimate) + money set aside in escrow for property taxes and home insurance each year. I must not be understanding the details of your situation because that's much lower than any payment listed on the flyer's website. Also note that the lowest rate is only for the 5-year loan. The $659 for the 20 year loan doesn't include the amount you need to set aside for property taxes and home insurance every month.

Sorry for the delay in response :tongue_smilie:... For ldpost, they say: How do I place calls? 1. Dial an access number. The Toll free number will be provided in you account confirmation e-mail. To find a local access number for you area click here. Use that link for a local access number for Peanuts Prepaid Service from any of the following countries: USA, Canada, Russia (Moscow, St.Petersburg), Ukraine(Kiev). 2. If you call from a number that is pre-approved for PIN-less dialing, you will hear your balance, however if calling from a different phone, you will need to enter your PIN. 3. For International calls dial 011 + Country code + City code + Phone Number + "#"; For calls within/to USA, Canada, the Caribbean dial 1 + Area code + Number + "#"

I've seen granite topped tables at a discount furniture store called Bob's Discount Furniture (North East locations mostly) but they tend to be countertop height or smaller than you need. If you have more room in your budget, you should check Room and Board. Their furniture tends to have very modern, classic, clean lines. Here are a few choices that come in a variety of sizes and table tops, including glass (clear and colored), wood, quartz composites, and granite: Rand Table Pratt Table They have other tables that also offer quartz/granite tops. Room and Board is pricier but I absolutely :drool::001_wub: them...if only I could afford it all. Oh, you should also look through Cymax for options: Marble Granite Stone Tables. I've ordered from them before (legitimate company).

I've used http://www.ldpost.com/prepaid-long-distance/ in the past. It's legitimate, charges by the minute (~2cents/minute), doesn't expire, and has no connection fee. You buy "cards" (they email you the info) online for $20, 25, 30, ..., 95, $100 at a time. Also, you can "recharge" your account with more money so you don't lose the last few minutes on the "card." HTH!

I voted other: we have two large tables (dining & schoolroom) which we use half the time but it's crucial to be able to split up to other smaller tables around the house when the kids need more physical/psychological space from each other.

Sent you a PM!

I can do it alongside other tasks, of course :tongue_smilie:. I've done the word "counting" thing for so long that I don't really have to think about it, I just find myself doing it unconsciously (multiple times actually, by the time I really notice :glare:). I continue to be impressed by your responsiveness, btw :thumbup:.

I :001_tt1::001_wub::thumbup: this thread! The only weird thing I'm going to contribute is that I constantly do this funny kind of "counting" with the letters of a word on my fingers. For instance, the word "counting" has 8 letters, 2 syllables, and is 1 word--I run through these numbers on a single hand, ticking off first 5 fingers in one direction (say from thumb to pinky) plus another 3 ticks in the same direction for the number of letters, then 2 ticks for the syllables, and then 1 final tick for the single word. It feels more satisfying if this ends with all fingers equally "ticked" (multiple of five). Then I repeat in the opposite direction (from pinky to thumb). Finally, I spell the word on the fingers of a single hand, wrapping around when necessary--consonants are solid, vowels are not. So "counting" wraps around perfecting, filling all 5 fingers with "solid" letters like this: Thumb- solid "c", finger 1- empty "o", finger 2- empty "u", finger 3- solid "n", finger 4- solid "t", then wrap around again to the thumb- empty "i", finger 1- solid "n", and finger 2- solid "g". I can "feel" solid and empty letters and I like all the fingers to feel equally solid. This little habit of mine makes me feel like my mind is a little off :tongue_smilie:.